Who doesn’t love Mill Creek Park? Okay, there’s probably somebody out there who doesn’t, but that’s just because they haven’t been there yet. It offers gorgeous views, challenging running paths, roads, historic architecture and more. It is very important to a lot of us young professionals who run, bike or drive through the park, visit Fellows Riverside Gardens or use the park’s other services nearly every day.

The reason I bring it up now is that the park levy is up for renewal in this year’s general election scheduled for the 3rd of November. It comes up once every 15 years and makes up the vast majority of the park’s operating budget. This particular levy does include an increase for homeowners that will amount to less than 90 cents of additional tax for every $10,000 of a home’s value. It will allow for the park to maintain operations as well as for capital improvements for us to enjoy in the decades to come.

I’m personally asking for some assistance with the campaign to spread the word. The People for MetroParks organization is seeking volunteers to make phone calls from downtown Youngstown on behalf of the park on weekday evenings (excluding Fridays) through the election. I do calls Monday nights so if you can help then, great, but we need help the other nights too. Any time you can give would be greatly appreciated. I’m happy to already be working alongside other members and board members of Mahoning Valley Young Professionals, and I hope you can join us.

Whether you enjoy weekend walks at Lanterman’s Mill, playing tennis at the courts, a concert at the Morley or maybe a pickup football game in the fall, you need the park and the park needs you! If you can help, please sign up using this Google form.

Once you sign up, we’ll get back to you with any additional information you may need.Thanks so much! Mill Creek Park is often the first thing people from Youngstown tell out-of-towners about, and we very much want to keep it that way.